South Sudan calls for media contribution to development of the region

By Ngor Arol Garang

July 11, 2010 (WUNROK) — The regional government of Southern Sudan on Sunday called on journalists to deepen the use of their pens as vital instruments in building the society and achieving the common good.

Conducting random interviews with politicians and academicians over role of media toward development, Dr. Baranaba Marial Benjamin Bil, in an interview with Sudan Tribune, said people from various professional backgrounds have crucial roles to play in the development of any country.

Therefore, for development to flourish in South Sudan, media needs to embrace professional reporting on developmental issues, while such reports are hinged on adequate research, would help greatly in institutionalizing development.

“To do this, the journalist needs to be aware of the regulatory framework in which he/she operates,” he said. Marial further noted that a journalist must be acquainted with the interim constitution of Southern Sudan.

“Understanding the laws that relate with the media is very important, and no person can be a good journalist without understanding them,” said Dr. Benjamin.

While acknowledging that journalists contribute immensely in the development of the nation, he also noted that their reporting choices would help entrench patriotism and public participation in development.

He said that every Southern Sudanese or person in this region has a role to play to develop stressing that development of Southern Sudan is not the responsibility of only the government to develop it.

David De Dau, a veteran journalist, heading one of media associations in the regional capital of Juba reportedly noted that journalism is about the construction of the society into an ideal one, and not its destruction.

He noted that familiarizing with the law is a good move towards the right direction while calling on members of the media to continue on their endeavors and collaboration with government. He also urged them to make good use of the knowledge gained from in houses trainings.

Dr. Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol, a senior member of the SPLM and a lecturer at the University of Juba on his part advised the young journalists to promote a positive image of the region. As a good citizen, you must make sure you project the image of your country in reference to South Sudan in a very positive manner.

For her part, Joice Moses, a freelance journalist in the region commended the young journalists for working towards achieving their set objectives. She said it is important that budding journalists are acquainted with the media environment.

(ST)